The Maah Daah Hey National Monument proposal seeks to protect about one tenth of the 1.1 million acres of the Little Missouri National Grasslands. A modest request to preserve our expansive Badlands.
The proposal (found here) tells a more proportional story that recognizes the ancestral lands of indigenous people of ND. We owe them that to right a wrong of the past and heal ND even if only a little.
Recently, ND residents stated a desire for more environmental protections while developing ND’s energy resources. The proposed monument doesn’t prevent directional or horizontal drilling for oil and gas development. The monument would protect the dwindling grasslands vital to ND ranchers. ND could create a unique, first of its kind national beef product sourced from national monument grasslands that tells the story of our hardworking ranch families.
The Forest Service already manages these public lands for grazing and recreation such as mountain biking, or hunting. Thanks to TR and the 1906 Antiquities Act, a Presidential Proclamation could detail these facts.
Outdoor recreation is a 1.3 billion dollar industry in ND and the monument could help it to grow. If we don’t protect wildlife habitat and the landscape, we are not ensuring the economy.
Now is the time to preserve the remaining wild, extraordinary Maah Daah Hey landscape for future generations so they can receive the vast cultural, economic and recreation benefits the Badlands and grasslands provide all North Dakotans.
Sincerely, Shannon Straight,
Badlands Conservation Alliance, Executive Director
